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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 11-28 CCM Study Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA STUDY SESSION NOVEMBER 28, 2005 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, and Mary O'Connor. Also present were City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City Manager /Director of Operations Curt Boganey, Director of Public Works /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, Community Development Director Brad Hoffman, and Deputy City Clerk Camille Yungerberg. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Niesen stated she will request that Consent Agenda Item 7d. Resolution Amending the 2005 Central Garage Budget to Provide for the Early Order /Purchase of Five 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Police Patrol Vehicles be removed from the Consent Agenda in order to request clarification on what the resolution is amending. City Manager Director Michael McCauley explained that the vehicles will be ordered in 2005, however still expended in 2006. He stated the proposed resolution is requesting authorization of the early order of the vehicles with funds not being dispersed until 2006. He explained that the City has previously ordered some equipment at the end of year rather than the beginning of the year to insure the lower price and early 2006 delivery. He further explained that if the new squad cars are received early, the old squad cars can be entered into the spring auction and will generate a higher resale value. Councilmember Carmody inquired about item 9a. Planning Commission Application No. 2005- 017. She referenced the following excerpt on page 2 of the November 17, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes and asked Mr. McCauley to explain how it works: Cross access through the lots will exist and should be memorialized through an appropriate agreement. Mr. McCauley explained that when all the necessary documents are filed, a cross access easement will be filed with the record of real estate which allows them to cross over the other property. Councilmember Carmody stated her request to change the following of the November 14, 2005, City Council /Economic Development Authority Work Session Meeting Minutes: Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman stated a special meeting should not be scheduled 11/28/05 -1- for delinquent license holders. It was the consensus of the Citv Council that license holders be held to the schedule for renewals and there would be no special meeting. Councilmember O'Connor inquired about the dividing of the lot and if the building would be divided down the middle. Mr. McCauley explained that the lot will be divided down the middle of the parking lot, not the building. Councilmember Niesen stated the following change to the minutes of the October 24, 2005, Regular Session City Council paragraph 5 of page 7: Councilmember Niesen said the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission does a great job and had volunteered to learn how to operate a camera for some shows during the holiday season, and it is a learning experience and offers communications skills. She also stated fees that local control over cable access promotes and supports freedom of speech. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION ON LIMITING THE NUMBER OF CARS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS City Manager /Executive Director Michael McCauley asked the Council if they would like Staff to prepare for the first reading and introduction of an ordinance that would limit the number of cars in residential properties to six. Planning Commission Chair Tim Willson explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the number of cars in residential areas per Council request and has concluded that with the proposed resolution, the ordinance is sound; however stricter code enforcement and Staff attention is needed. He stated Mr. Dahn attended all meetings discussing this issue and is in favor of the proposed resolution. Mayor /President Kragness asked if code enforcement is the reason the number of cars now needs to be restricted. Mr. Willson responded an analysis was done that showed enforcement inadequate, however limiting the number is still appropriate at this time. He explained that the current Ordinance does not limit the number of vehicles; rather it refers to square footage. Mr. McCauley explained that this is similar to lot coverage in commercial zoning where height and activity is regulated. He stated the proposed resolution would limit the number of vehicles parked in the front yards of R1 zoning districts. Councilmember /Commissioner O'Connor inquired about the restriction of R2 and R3 zonings. Mr. Willson responded this restriction would apply to R1 zoning. He explained that with R2 zoning, primarily duplexes, each home would be allowed six vehicles. When questioned further about different types of duplexes, he stated he is unsure of the effects on the restriction of R2 and R3 zonings. Mr. McCauley stated the Planning Commission discussed the restriction of R1 zoning only. 11/28/05 -2- Councilmember /Commissioner Carmody inquired about the minutes of the October 13, 2005, Planning Commission Meeting regarding the 4 -2 vote that changed to a unanimous vote at the November 17, 2005, meeting. Mr. Willson responded by explaining that the Planning ` Commission came to a consensus after working on the issue. Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman stated the resolution will address and ease concerns regarding the number of cars parked in residential areas. She inquired about larger vehicles and how they will differ in the number of vehicles allowed. Mr. Willson responded by explaining there are other ordinances that deal with weight restrictions, addressing campers and larger vehicles. Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen stated opposition to the proposal. She stated she has not heard any complaints regarding the number of vehicles in residential areas and she is concerned over too much imposition on personal property rights. She suggested the matter be addressed by referendum for the citizens to decide and stated concern that residents will feel less welcomed. She stated that she had listened to the Housing Commission's discussion of the matter and has not received this concern, therefore will vote against the resolution. Councilmember /Commissioner O'Connor agreed with Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen. Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen requested that the item be postponed until January 2006, allowing her time to gather information on the matter. Councilmember /Commissioner O'Connor stated she would like it postponed as well. Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman expressed surprise that Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen has not received complaints on this issue, for this matter is the largest complaint she receives. Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen asked how many residents spoke on the matter at the Planning Commission Meeting. Mr. Willson responded and stated not many spoke, however the Planning Commission generally does not have a large amount of attendees. He explained that a number of the Planning Commission Members spoke to their neighbors, receiving support for the resolution. REVIEW OF OPPORTUNITY SITE Mr. McCauley stated the intent on December 12, 2005, to have a Staff recommendation with respect to the Brookdale Ford situation. He stated in the beginning of 2004 discussions began regarding concepts developed by Brookdale Ford to relocate their business. He stated in July 2004 it was again discussed with the City Council. He stated in December 2004 the EDA adopted a resolution authorizing potential acquisition by negotiation of eminent domain of Brookdale Square and Brookdale Ford. He explained that the City met with Mr. Grossman, the owner of Brookdale Ford last week where he stated concern for the uncertainty of the situation. Mr. McCauley stated the City anticipated when the Council adopted the resolution in December 2004 that there would not be any issues with respect to survival of Mr. Grossman's business. He stated the intention is to make a recommendation to the EDA on December 12, 2005, where an update on the Brookdale Square project will also be provided. Mayor /President Kragness stated Mr. Grossman is requesting an individual meeting with each 11/28/05 -3- Councilmember. She cautioned the Councilmembers against such a meeting due to previous experiences where the Council was approached for individual meetings rather than the Council receiving the information as a group. Mr. McCauley Y stated the City has the authorization to commence eminent domain with both properties; however legal proceedings have not begun. He stated the City concurs that it is not acceptable to have this situation unresolved. He stated the intent on December 12, 2005, is to make a recommendation to the EDA to resolve the uncertainty. COUNCILMEMBER NIESEN: COUNCIL APPROVAL OF MAILING FOR JANUARY OPPORTUNITY SITE OPEN HOUSE Mr. McCauley stated the anticipated mailing date is the beginning of January, to insure delivery prior to January 25, 2006. Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen stated she would like the City Council to review the text before it is mailed. Mr. Willson stated there was a strong debate with the Opportunity Site Task Force on the particulars of the mailing. He expressed his personal opinion that a full brochure be mailed due to the importance of the matter. Councilmember /Commissioner Carmody stated disagreement with investing a large amount of money in the mailing. Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman stated she favored the proposed large postcard instead of the multi -page document. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Mayor /President Kragness closed the Study Session to open the Informal Open Forum at 6:45 p.m. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION The Study Session reconvened at 6:46 p.m. Mr. McCauley explained that if the City Council would like to review the mailing, it should be Y p Y g brought for review at the December 12, 2005, meeting so that reviewing and editing are completed by January 12, 2006. Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen suggested using the cable channel scrolling marquee for further advertisement. MISCELLANEOUS There were no miscellaneous items discussed. 11/28/05 -4- ADJOURNMENT Councilmember /Commissioner Carmody moved and Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman seconded adjournment of the Study Session at 6:52 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. City Clerk Ma or 11/28/05 -5-